Comment Archives: Locations: Restaurants: Americana: 3 Stars

I like the place, breakfasts are great but the last time I ordered keilbasa and eggs, it was prepared just fine and served well but I think though they could at least go with Hillshire farms keilbasa instead of a split Bar-S economy Polish.

Standard diner fare, ate there twice. First had the chicken fried steak breakfast, very good, thin large steak cooked old fashioned style on the flat top vice deep frying, asked for scrambled eggs soft and that's how I got them. Second time, burger platter, asked for medium, done right! Fries were so hot and fresh I burnt my fingers at first. Super fast delivery, almost no waiting and they were busy. Only complaint was the waitress reeked of cheap perfume, but I guess that's a diner!

Friendly servers but other than that we really weren't impressed with the food. Having lived back east we had great dogs and deli food. Want a really great hot dog? Try a simple Sabrret, Coney Island or Nathan's dog with just a few of the standard toppings. This way you'll actually be able to taste the product. Jalapenos, pickles, mayo... Forget it!

In any case, I wish the business well. However, even with the new on/off ramp now being open the location is unlikely to draw lots of patrons. Let's hope their lease is reasonable. As a former business owner, I know all too well how many hands, (taxes, worker's comp., electric bill, etc..), are in your pocket every month. It's tuff making it.

Skybox needs to add a Fri & Sat night schedule to website. Including a little forecast into the future for planning purposes. This would attract more customers. Another suggestion would be to expand the dance floor.

Gus Balon's has good service and nice size portions but the food could use a little spice. Maybe some black pepper at least. The pies are great when they're fresh but the serve them way past their prime.

The burgers are huge. Fortunately, for those of us who like our burgers barely done, all burgers can be cooked to order and the heart hospital is just across the street! Bison burgers are available. Has a full bar with a few TV's to watch your favorite sports programs. Wines can be ordered by the glass (6 oz. and 8 oz.) or by the bottle. The salad bar has quite a variety of items and can be a meal in itself.

Although I'm generally among the younger diners (at the ripe young age of 51), a variety of folks dine on the meat here. The lunch crowd is generally composed of groups of businesswomen and older shoppers. The best filet mignon is served at lunch. For whatever reason, the steaks seem to get lower in quality as the day wears on. Dinner has a more varied clientele and the scene is more active than at lunch. The wine list is serviceable and the "Firebirds Red" is a pretty good value.

As stated in my comments on Golden Corral, I like the concept of buffets. The food at Hometown is mediocre for the most part, and there is less from which to select than Golden Corral. I am convinced their mashed potatoes are INSTANT POTATOES which is unappetizing. One can serve one's self beverages (unlike Golden Corral) without relying on a waitperson.